Need Help Moving to Aventura area (Miami, Miami Beach: house, to buy, pros and cons)

[Sandratwo]

I moved to Florida from CT 6 months ago to help my son who lives in the Brickell area of Miami. Now I want to buy a house for myself, but still be within an hour's drive of his home. Fl is so big and varied, I am miserable trying to decide where to live. (Thank goodness for these Forums!)

My requirements:
I want to be near a large, active synagogue (preferably Conservative)
I want to be near some walkable area, a town center or shopping area, for book stores, cofee shops, etc.
I want to live on a lake, no matter how small.

I can't afford anything in Coral gables or the Grove that doesn't require a fortune to fix up.. (Can't spend more than $450,000 for a house.) So I am looking north.

I am divorced and alone, but my 25-year-old son (not the Miami son) will be living with me for 2 years because of a serious accident.

I like the Turnberry Jewish Center in Aventura, so North Miami, N :smack:Miami Beach, and some of Hallandale could work. But which city and which sections? After so many years of commuting I want to cut down on driving as much as possible.

Also, what's the difference between North Miami and North Miami Beach?

Grateful for any views on the character, lifestyle and pros and cons of these areas.